VHBG names new president

The Board of Governors of Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) recently named Claiborne S. Mason (pictured) to serve as president. She began her tenure Aug. 6.

Mason, 52, is the owner of the strategic planning and marketing firm C.S. Mason Consulting and most recently served as interim chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg.

“I’m inspired by people who work at nonprofits,” Mason said. “In my roles on various boards and my consulting business it’s always been gratifying to be a part of the incredible work that happens in the nonprofit community.”

Mason began her work in the Richmond nonprofit community 15 years ago when she volunteered to serve on the marketing committee for United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg. She led multiple initiatives and joined the Board of Directors in 1997 before her stint as interim CEO.

“Claiborne’s many years of volunteer service and consulting experience within the local nonprofit community, her recent leadership of United Way, and her business background make her the ideal person to lead this organization,” said Thomas J. Dillon, III, VHBG Board Chair and attorney with Hirschler Fleischer. “She brings a unique perspective on the needs and challenges of nonprofit organizations, and a passion to serve the children and families of our community,” said Dillon.

Mason succeeds former president Chris Schultz, who left the organization in 2011. Since then, a search committee of the board, co-chaired by VHBG Board members Austin Brockenbrough, III and Kathleen Luke conducted an extensive search to fill the President’s role.

“The VHBG Board of Governors charged the search committee with finding a leader who could steer the organization strategically through a time of rapidly changing conditions in the human services arena. It was imperative that we find someone who has the skills and experience to successfully position us for future success,” said Brockenbrough, founding partner of investment firm Lowe Brockenbrough & Co., Inc. “With Claiborne at the helm, we are confident that VHBG and its Board of Governors will be well positioned to effectively build on our legacy of providing an environment of strength and hope, where children and families are empowered to greater success.”

Mason serves on the Board of Directors for Gateway Homes, which provides a residential treatment program for adults with mental illness who are striving for independence.

“It’s always rewarding to be a part of critical programs that strengthen our community,” she said.

Her passion for nonprofits is even part of her children’s lives. Her oldest daughter is interning at the local nonprofit Higher Achievement.

Since 1846, VHBG has has provided permanent family for children in the Central Virginia area. VHBG is the only site in Virginia certified by the International Teaching-Family Association.

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The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, 1000 Blanton Ave., will host Gallery at First UU, its 52nd annual Fine Arts and Craft Show, Sept. 20-24. The show features an eclectic mix of oil paintings, watercolors, lithographs, fiber art, photographs, pottery, furniture, jewelry, stained glass, paper, wood and wearable art from 175 local and regional artists. Prices range from $10 to several thousand dollars. There is no admission charge to the event. Food trucks are planned for Thursday and Friday. For details, call 355-0777, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or find them on Facebook at “GalleryAtFirstUU.”
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